The bad news is, even though caffeine is supposed to boost our energy, too much of it can actually have the opposite effect and make us feel sluggish and rundown. Moreover, coffee can irritate our bladders, and also burn a pretty big hole in our wallets for those of us who tend to get takeaway coffees regularly (at $3.50 a day, five workdays a week, that’s $70 a month. Read: that dress you’ve been eyeing off on ASOS).

In order to break the vicious circle of craving coffee but still feeling tired after drinking it, there are some effective alternatives that will give you the same – if not better – energy boost you get from your regular brew.

So when that 3p.m. slump hits next, try giving your coffee machine a break and opting for these caffeine alternatives instead…

1. Almonds

Nuts may be high in calories, but they’re also full of nutrients. Almonds in particular, are packed with vitamin E and Magnesium, both of which are essential in the production of energy. A small handful will also satisfy any sugar cravings, as the nuts are naturally mildly sweet.

2. Lemon water

A glass of water with a spritz of lemon will boost your energy just as well as a cup of coffee if consumed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, thanks to its ability to switch digestion into gear. In fact, even just the smell of lemon is said to make us feel more awake and improve our mood. As an added bonus, lemons have been found to stimulate white blood cell production, which is vital for your immune system to function properly.

3. Bananas

Bananas are nature’s energy bar and much healthier than a sugary caffeinated beverage or processed snack. The fruit contains plenty of vitamin C, potassium, and healthy carbohydrates to lift your energy levels and make you feel full.

4. Dark chocolate

Yes, eating chocolate is perfectly fine and we encourage it, as long as it’s a small portion of dark chocolate. Besides being delicious, dark chocolate fights fatigue, as it contains epicatechin, a plant chemical which gives the body a boost by widening the blood vessels and therefore allowing oxygen to pass through more efficiently. And according to a study by the American Heart Association, daily chocolate consumption may promote heart health. Pass the Hershey’s.

5. Chai tea

For hardcore coffee addicts, chai tea is a great alternative to start with, as the creamy look and taste comes pretty close to coffee. Moreover, the spices in chai tea, such as cardamom and ginger, stimulate the body’s energy production, so it’ll provide a similar kick to your regular cup of java.

6. Chia pudding

Chia seeds offer slow-release energy that’s long-lasting, thanks to the superfood’s perfect ratio of protein to fats and fibre, which won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike like a Starbucks takeaway can. Moreover, it’s a healthy snack that can be topped with some fruit or dark chocolate shavings, making it a great indulgent breakfast option.

7. Green juice

A green juice based on vegetables like kale and spinach is the ultimate energizer, as it’s full of antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and tons of nutrients your body can easily absorb; as hardly any digestive energy is required to process it, due to the natural enzymes it contains.

8. Figs

Not only are figs delicious whether eaten fresh, dried, or added to a mouth-watering fig cake recipe, they’re also rich in iron, which is essential for keeping up your energy levels. The natural sugars of this delish, soft fruit, combined with its naturally high fiber levels, will satisfy your craving for something sweet and keep fatigue at bay long into the day.